Had my first app with a tmj specialist this week
It was kind of a disapointment....
I think I'm not alone when I say that I went to the specialist hoping for a quick resolve for my pain
What a mistake that was

She thinks it may be caused by a whiplash I had a year ago, whilst I told her that my jaw locking and headaches existed from way before the whiplash.
So I first have to go through a whole list of docs who'll poke and prod me before she will diagnose me officialy...let's keep the chequebook at hand
Basicly I was told that I am my own worst enemy, stress-wise. And that the best treatment for my problem is looking for another job

I can understand your disappointment. Did this "specialist" refuse to do any diagnostic tests for TMJD to confirm whether or not you have it?
We all have different causes for our disorder, but I can't understand why a dentist couldn't start treating it, and THEN refer you for complementary treatment.
I also think that TMJD is a cause and effect disorder. If you don't treat your jaw, your neck problems may not resolve, and vice versa.

Maybe she's just trying to cover her bases, but I would suggest possibly seeing a second specialist in the meantime.

This specialist doesn't seem like she diagnoses tmj
very well.
The first step would be to have a mri of the joints to see what is going on in there, then she should have a questionnaire for you to fill out to help in the diagnosis
My dr had a questionnaire from the ADA which is submitted
and scored.

Hi:
This specialist doesn't sound like much of a specialist. And she might stop for one second to think that her attitude might add to your stress but it doesn't sound like she cares all that much. I don't know your financial situation but have you considered going for a second opinion? Many of us have seen several dentists/orthodontists before deciding on one to treat us. If I had went with the first dentists plan for me I would in all likelihood me in much worse shape now. Consider getting a second opinion and maybe don't tell the next person you see what the last person said. I sure as heck never tell them until after they give me their opinion. I wish you the best of luck in finding someone to treat you.
Tiffany

Hi Sty...did you have x-rays taken? I was wondering because when I had my first visit to a tmj dentist, he could tell by my x-rays what was going on in my jaw! (I could even see the wear!) I would suggest to try another dentist that treats tmj patients or another specialist! As for the pain...I know how you feel! It seems they either practically throw medication at you or they just look at you like your a druggie! Personally, I have had the most luck with my family doctor...he has treated me for years and knows me well and is helping me get through this pain with medication until I can get my splint and start to get some relief! Don't give up...there is help to be found! Good luck to you and TC!

Thanks Mamaslittlehelper,
Yes I had x rays taken (a pano?) but she only commented the shape my teeth where in, the enamel on my teeth is starting to degradate, they don't think it might be from grinding.
But she didn't say anything about my joints.
She told me that there's something "sticking" together...(rough translation, kinda hard to translate the word)I didn't ask what

The PT treatments seem to be helping a little but they make me feel woozy in the head afterwards, maybe I'm just having a couple of better days, we'll see...

Sty...sorry, but I am really new to all of this...what is a PT treatment? I was diagnosed with tmj back in 1985, but it went dormant till just a few months ago when it came back full force! I would think your specialist would have been more concerned with your joints, but as I said I'm still learning!

Well, TC...I must get back to bed! (I think I'm becoming an insomniac!)LOL!